2017/2018 Cold Lake Ice Reports

[lromanchuk]

This lake is very unique and is filled with different ice related challenges. Lets provide each other with the most up to date information as the season progresses to stay safe out there.

Last I saw she was open water as of Mid December. Next 2 weeks are supposed to get cold. Any info from the locals would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[lromanchuk]

Nice to see this thread taking off ! :rolleye2:

This was recently posted on iFish:

by Tootall83 on Dec. 24, 2017
I live a block from the lake and it iced over last night I believe. Ice as far as I could see this morning


Likely start seeing some walk ons over the next few days with this kind of weather.

[splake0]

I was just at French bay. It was open on the East side yesterday but is all iced over today.

[-JR-]

Good to here this news Splake0.
Hopefully it does not get windy.

[lromanchuk]

by Tootall83 on Dec. 28, 2017
Just checked provincal 50 feet out from launch and 8 inches ice.

Update from iFish.

[-JR-]

Any lakers landed yet in French bay ,it must be around 20 inches in front of the ski hill.
How was the fishing in front of the boat launch?
Any one see any ice heaves yet ?

[58thecat]

Don't kid yourself, ice is still questionable so be careful. Thick in one area and then not in others, as for complete freeze over, no. Looking from one shore you only see a portion of the lake, throw in the wind and things change quick. Don't be that person who just jumps in full on.
Be safe the fish are not going anywhere.

[The Spank]

Being in the -30’s for the 5th or 6th day in a row will be making ice now!!

[TylerThomson]

Don't kid yourself, ice is still questionable so be careful. Thick in one area and then not in others, as for complete freeze over, no. Looking from one shore you only see a portion of the lake, throw in the wind and things change quick. Don't be that person who just jumps in full on.
Be safe the fish are not going anywhere.

Last year I wad trying to get to my spot on the north side. 20 inches at shore 200 yards away 15 inches another 200 and it was 9. Don't trust that lake or ice reports. Always check

[-JR-]

I am holding off till Feb before I even consider driving on with my truck.
If it does not get warm it should be safe for an Atv or sled in a week or so .

[Egymcara]

Any lakers landed yet in French bay ,it must be around 20 inches in front of the ski hill.
How was the fishing in front of the boat launch?
Any one see any ice heaves yet ?

Wow! If I've ever seen an ignorant, moronic comment in my life... this takes the cake! French Bay had 2 inches of ice on Dec 23. The lake didn't freeze until Dec 25. You do the math buddy .. its Dec 30th.

[roofish]

hey dude, peeps like you ruin this forum!
be nice or crawl back into your basement and stfu!

[Egymcara]

hey dude, peeps like you ruin this forum!
be nice or crawl back into your basement and stfu!

Making assumptions about ice thickness that might risk someone's safety/life should not be taken lightly.

[tigger]

The ice thickness does vary at different places on the lake as in a previous post. Last winter was east of the Ling bed about 300m and had about 20inches ice and then packed up and went another 150m further east and had about 14inches. Wouldn't think the ice thickness would vary so much in a short distance. Wonder if the ice will crack and open up like it did a couple times last winter-scary?

[-JR-]

Wow! If I've ever seen an ignorant, moronic comment in my life... this takes the cake! French Bay had 2 inches of ice on Dec 23. The lake didn't freeze until Dec 25. You do the math buddy .. its Dec 30th.


The bays were frozen way before Dec 23.
8 inches of ice 50 ft out in main lake that was reported today
only need 6 inches to walk on safely.
Which some one has done !
So why not walk out on french bay cut a whole and see if it is 20 inches deep yet.
And maybe catch a Laker.

No need to be rude .

[lromanchuk]

Another update from iFish:

by Nathenmunroe on Dec. 30, 2017
Went to French bay and about 100 yards out it was a little over a foot deep

[Tigrr]

Going out on the ice without knowing how thick it is, is like playing craps, except with your life. Always check how deep the ice is before venturing out on it. period.. 2 friends lost makes it take on a whole new meaning.

[-JR-]

Going out on the ice without knowing how thick it is, is like playing craps, except with your life. Always check how deep the ice is before venturing out on it. period.. 2 friends lost makes it take on a whole new meaning.

2x

[-JR-]

Another update from iFish:

by Nathenmunroe on Dec. 30, 2017
Went to French bay and about 100 yards out it was a little over a foot deep

Over a foot thick ! Thank you .

Did you here this EGYcare

[58thecat]

The bays were frozen way before Dec 23.
8 inches of ice 50 ft out in main lake that was reported today
only need 6 inches to walk on safely.
Which some one has done !
So why not walk out on french bay cut a whole and see if it is 20 inches deep yet.
And maybe catch a Laker.

No need to be rude .

You right, no sense insulting posts but I tell ya near and in and around some areas by the weeds etc prior to Dec 23 you had to be careful, real thin as I put my quad through at a smaller lake, front wheels got out no problem but if I was in a hurry might not have gotten it out till spring.....:scared:

[lromanchuk]

Friend of mine just came off the lake. 9-10 inches of good ice out from French Bay.

[splake0]

Friend of mine just came off the lake. 9-10 inches of good ice out from French Bay.

I just came off of french bay and there was 17 inches where i was fishing

[Teamprotz]

And fishing was ...... ? :thinking-006:

[TylerThomson]

Just got back from cold lake. Provincial park launch had about 12 - 14. Long bay was over 20. The point across from provincial park had 10 to 12. Lots of pike but they were all shy biting. Pretty sure there were walleye at the point they would chase up 5 to 6 feet barely lip it then leave.

I didn't use a tape just my arm in the hole. Take it for what it's worth. I drove from pp to the point on the other side.

[boonedocks]

Just got back from cold lake. Provincial park launch had about 12 - 14. Long bay was over 20. The point across from provincial park had 10 to 12. Lots of pike but they were all shy biting. Pretty sure there were walleye at the point they would chase up 5 to 6 feet barely lip it then leave.

I didn't use a tape just my arm in the hole. Take it for what it's worth. I drove from pp to the point on the other side.

Is there any snow cover? I’m guessing that the quad would be better than the skidoo? I’m a chicken when it comes to driving around on ice, especially over that much water!! Thanks in advance!

[TylerThomson]

0 snow cover. Bring studs for the boots and the tires lol. I'm not chicken but I am cautious I drilled a lot of holes on my way. One nice thing iss its all good ice no soft white ice. Watch the bay it broke and refroze again this year so it's going to be tough on tires and suspensions

[lromanchuk]

0 snow cover. Bring studs for the boots and the tires lol. I'm not chicken but I am cautious I drilled a lot of holes on my way. One nice thing iss its all good ice no soft white ice. Watch the bay it broke and refroze again this year so it's going to be tough on tires and suspensions

I also heard there was a large heave if you planned on venturing farther east down the lake past French Bay.

[TylerThomson]

The usual heaves are there. There was one just beginning to form at the sand bar. I never made it further than the point between center bay and Frenchman

[lromanchuk]

Apparently the point on the north end of French Bay had a fairly large heave formed.

[rasbok]

19 inch of ice on French Bay. Good Ice. Fishing was better !!

[-JR-]

How thick is the main lake ,any one quading out there yet ?

[rasbok]

How thick is the main lake ,any one quading out there yet ?

Saw lots of quads. Only drove as far as the heave in the truck

[1bluZebec]

So is anyone out there yet than can tell us a good story of a successful first trip out on cold lake?I'm excited to see some 40+inch behemoths 😃

[splake0]

How thick is the main lake ,any one quading out there yet ?

quads are good to go

[lromanchuk]

Hows the fishing been lately?

[-JR-]

quads are good to go

how thick is the main lake ?

[icecap]

I am also wondering about the main lake. Plan on fishing this weekend somewhere from garnet to the sask border. Will be taking the quad but I have seen it in years passed where the ice off garnet was 18" and then around the border only 8 or 10". I'm thinking the quad will be fine but still curious thanks.

[splake0]

For those that have been PM me. I have not been out on the main lake yet. Maybe on Thursday. If I get out I will post ice thickness and how I did.

Regards
Matt

[gazin16]

Was in 123 feet of water today.. landed 2 and had about 11 hook ups.. ice was around 16 inches. Few trucks and tracks north of pp.

[splake0]

Just got off the ice. I was east of Garnett just over the border. There is 19 inches of ice where I was. Fishing was slow.

[LCCFisherman]

Heard of a 41lb LKTR caught in Cold Lake this year??? ANYONE ELSE HEAR THIS?????

[Vigsy]

Heard of a 41lb LKTR caught in Cold Lake this year??? ANYONE ELSE HEAR THIS?????

I believe I saw the picture of said fish in question. and to me it looks like a farce. I wouldn't even give it 15lbs im thinkin just some fancy camera work. then again im negative.

Cant wait to get up on cold this year!!

[35 whelen]

Good luck I know there's a few of them left but not many I don't think. anyway I'll be giving it one try this winter last few seasons it's just been getting slower and slower.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180122/51b652e351cdd0ee28a402833278e845.jpg

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[lromanchuk]

Keeps getting fished harder and harder. There's still a few monsters for sure.


Cool graph. Im interested to see how accurate it is. I'll try it out this weekend.

[35 whelen]

Yes it's just a graph would be more accurate with a girth measurement but let us know how accurate you get I want to know what a 40 in ways out of Cold Lake[emoji3]

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[35 whelen]

Yes it's just a graph would be more accurate with a girth measurement but let us know how accurate you get I want to know what a 40 in weighs out of Cold Lake[emoji3]

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[lromanchuk]

Based on what we caught, that graph is pretty accurate. Within a pound one way or another with every fish we caught.

Fishing was slow. Marked lots of fish, but as usual it was a challenge getting them to hit.

[-JR-]

My 32.5 inch Laker ,in the Alberta Record Book ,weight 18 lbs.

[-JR-]

Now back to cold lake.
Who is out there ,in this cold weekend ?
How thick is the ice in the main lake ?
Anyone cut a hole more in the middle of the lake ?

[lromanchuk]

Cut several holes in the middle of the lake. 13-15 inches at most. Good black ice. There's a MASSIVE heave that runs North/NorthEast. Some spots had open water 25+ feet wide. Most fisherman wont have any issues though, this is quite a remote hump in the middle of no where.

[Captainslug]

How about French bay? How thick is the ice there?

[MooseRiverTrapper]

Sledded out. Might be iffy for a truck yet. Laid the hammer on multiple spawners because the government says so. Lake is damn near collapsed compared to what it was as.

[-JR-]

Sledded out. Might be iffy for a truck yet. Laid the hammer on multiple spawners because the government says so. Lake is damn near collapsed compared to what it was as.

Lakers don't spawn in Feb.

[58thecat]

My chrestliner has issues on the hard water....want to be safe if I break through...need an air boat.

[Habfan]

Lakers don't spawn in Feb.

Maybe killing Burbots ?

[lromanchuk]

How about French bay? How thick is the ice there?

I didn't do any fishing in French Bay, but i would guess it has more ice than in the middle where I was. There were trucks and trailers all over the ice. I defiantly wouldn't have my truck out there, but several people did have theirs.


The ice on French Bay is so rough this year. It's always rougher in the bay than the rest of the lake, but this year is ridiculous. There's jagged ice shards 6-8 inches tall. I wouldn't be surprised to hear guys popping holes in their truck/quad tires. I ran a skidoo and it was rough.

[trouty]

What about around the marina? Ok to drive on and are guys driving trucks in the area? Thanks

[MooseRiverTrapper]

Lakers don't spawn in Feb.
Someone say they did?

[rasbok]

Thanks for the scale convertor. I have had good luck. It all depends on the day. Some days you have to fish the the whole column of water not just the bottom 15 feet. Flasher doesn't show much in the first 20-30 feet of water

Cheers

[Mackinaw]

Lakers don't spawn in Feb.

I would think he was talking about having to keep larger fish that would be better left for spawning. not the fact that they are spawning at this time.

mack

[Egymcara]

I would think he was talking about having to keep larger fish that would be better left for spawning. not the fact that they are spawning at this time.

mack

He doesn't "have" to keep any fish and is in fact contributing to the lake "collapsing" -ignorance

[ROA]

One thing that bothers me about cold lake is the depth the burbot are caught at doesn’t allow for a reasonable release. You catch one in 70 feet you might as well keep it because it ain’t gonna go back down.

[Mackinaw]

He doesn't "have" to keep any fish and is in fact contributing to the lake "collapsing" -ignorance

if it is legal size and he caught it legally it is no concern of yours.

mack

[Fil_Can_Yakker]

Sled or truck?

TIA

[lromanchuk]

Lots of trucks on the ice, but I ran a sled and glad I did.

[MooseRiverTrapper]

I would think he was talking about having to keep larger fish that would be better left for spawning. not the fact that they are spawning at this time.

mack

Exactly. Sad there isn’t a slot or CnR.

[Fil_Can_Yakker]

Lots of trucks on the ice, but I ran a sled and glad I did.



Lot of snow Ironman?


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[lromanchuk]

Lot of snow Ironman?


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Not a ton. People were getting around easily with a truck. The places I fish there isn't enough ice for me to take my truck. Thats why i use the sled.

[Fil_Can_Yakker]

Not a ton. People were getting around easily with a truck. The places I fish there isn't enough ice for me to take my truck. Thats why i use the sled.



Got it, thanks!


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[Mackinaw]

Exactly. Sad there isn’t a slot or CnR.

yes a slot would be good

MACK

[35 whelen]

How's the fishing been on Cold Lake headed there next weekend first and only trip of the Year there

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[Rimbilly]

Just curious if anyone would know what the snow conditions are like on cold lake right now... thinking of heading up there this weekend to catch some lakers. It will be me and a friend of mine and we dont want to get stuck on the lake haha. So if any one has some info that would be much appreciated

[-JR-]

Yup heading up there next weekend which is the long weekend.
Hopefully we will get some good ice reports this weekend how thick the ice is and how deep the snow is for our trucks.
Let the games begin.

[Captainslug]

Rough, rough, rough. Did I say it’s rough?

Got to the lake about 8am and went on at the PP and headed pretty much straight north to 100’ water then fished/froze till 1pm. Watched a 2wd bounce like crazy as he had to keep up his speed up just to get around. I wouldn’t want to see the gear in the back of his truck after what he was doing. Made me think of microwave popcorn popping.

Very hard drifts. 4x4 pretty much a must if you are going off the beaten paths unless you like to beat up your truck/gear. Snow isn’t really too deep (8”-12” drifts) but drift’s crusts are hard but you are bouncing over and or breaking through them. Walking let alone driving over them is a “female dog”! Being -15 and a 20kmh wind didn’t help either.

Must of had a real ugly freeze up too. Made the mistake of “taking a tour” and drive to the marina by following some tracks along the south bank. Got about a mile from the marina and hit the piled up refrozen ice from the initial freeze. It must had a heck of a wind which broke it up and then blew and piled it up along that bank and refrozen. As I turned straight north to try to get out of “shards-ville”, it was like that all the way back to the beaten path for over 800 meters. Glad I had a 4x4 as that allowed me to go slow. GPS indicated I never went above 5kph pretty much the whole way through the “ville”. Tall shards in some places too. Beware! I would assume this has occurred in other places as well.

No fish either BTW. Put the extension on my auger but probably didn’t need it. Sorry but I didn’t pull the tape on the ice. If I had to guess I’d say 28”-30”.

People were moving around a lot too. So it must have been slow for everyone.

Thinking of calling my chiropractor.

[ROA]

Rough even on the sled in some places. Auger bottomed out and did not go through in some spots but others had a foot of flighting left before it punched through. Very very slow fishing. Got 8 fish in a couple days and 1/2 of the fish had scars on the mouth or scared cloudy eyes (previously frozen) from being caught before. Very sad.

[LCCFisherman]

Anyone see pics of this 41lb LKTR yet?!?!?!?!?!?

[Fil_Can_Yakker]

Anyone see pics of this 41lb LKTR yet?!?!?!?!?!?


Found it lol

142775



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[-JR-]

found it lol

142775



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that one was taken about 4 years ago.

[35 whelen]

I'll have a nice picture of one for you on Monday

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[lromanchuk]

Anyone hooked into a giant yet this season? Lets see some pics of this years catches.

[super mario]

My biggest laker 2018

[simmered]

Like "captainslug" said it i pretty rough in spots. The bays where the ice had pushed in during the freeze are rough. You can avoid the rough ice around second point and garnett point by driving further out from land. The ice is smoother out there. Snow is not really an issue if you have good tires and 4x4. We did get some rain on tuesday night which has made the snow hard on top. Tracks have been blown in as well due to some light snow and big winds on wednesday. So far ice has been 24" plus everywhere I have been.
Been seeing lots of action on the finder for fish and catching pretty good one the usual cold lake hooks.
Good luck out there to everyone this weekend

[Jigapoolza]

Hello heading up next week for acouple days . I'm trying to find out if it's barbless only on cold lake . I tried googling it but couldn't see it one way or another. Thanks in advance.

[splake0]

Hello heading up next week for acouple days . I'm trying to find out if it's barbless only on cold lake . I tried googling it but couldn't see it one way or another. Thanks in advance.

not barbless

[Jigapoolza]

Ok good to know thanks

[pikehunter1989]

not barbless

Unless your on the Saskatchewan side

[splake0]

Unless your on the Saskatchewan side

You can use barbs on the whole lake

[pikehunter1989]

my buddy must be wrong then and he even knows one of the F&W officers for cold lake. I was also told your allowed to use Cisco as bait on cold lake. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a bit of a misunderstanding of rules between the provinces F&W officers though.

[splake0]

my buddy must be wrong then and he even knows one of the F&W officers for cold lake. I was also told your allowed to use Cisco as bait on cold lake. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a bit of a misunderstanding of rules between the provinces F&W officers though.

Sask quietly dropped the barbless regulation last year. JR from this forum enlightened me on this.
I think Cisco for bait is not allowed. I do not use bait at all and do okay.

[510-Gem]

How much line do folks typically spool up for lakers out here?
Thanks

[simmered]

My summer reels usually get put on my winter rods. So usually have approx 150-175 yards on them

[pikehunter1989]

Sask quietly dropped the barbless regulation last year. JR from this forum enlightened me on this.
I think Cisco for bait is not allowed. I do not use bait at all and do okay.

The Cisco thing is straight from the mouth of a F&W officer. I'd like to find a definite answer though because if a guy can get his hands on some they are supposed to be deadly for lakers.

[Jigapoolza]

http://www.albertaregulations.ca/fishingregs/prov-regs.html
So here's a link saying ciscoes are prohibited. You,ll have to scroll down aways to find it.

[-JR-]

Sask quietly dropped the barbless regulation last year. JR from this forum enlightened me on this.
I think Cisco for bait is not allowed. I do not use bait at all and do okay.

My understanding is if you have a one licence you can fish the whole lake, Alberta side and Sask .side .


In the Alberta Fishing Regs ,it does say Both sides are consistent with each other.
Sask also has free fishing this week end.

(Copy and Paste)
Sportfishing in Cold Lake

Sportfishing in Cold Lake requires either an Alberta Sportfishing Licence (see licence exemptions under “Requirements”), or a Saskatchewan Angling Licence. The Alberta Fishery Regulations, 1998 apply to the Alberta portion of Cold Lake; while the Saskatchewan Regulations apply to the Saskatchewan portion of Cold Lake (Saskatchewan regulations are consistent with Alberta regulations for Cold Lake).

[cuteed]

Slow morning to start off. landed a nice 9 lb 26" laker at 7:10 in 160' of water and had nothing until losing two back to back at noon in 80' after moving and exploring. Back to deeper water for the afternoon. TC Moto white and pink jigs tipped with minnow.

28" of ice pretty much everywhere, right to base of auger. 30+ trucks out and about all the way to sask border side

NEED 4WD for sure, top layer of ice/snow is crusty and ROUGH, few guys got stuck driving to far east side this morning for over an hour.

tight lines everyone and happy family day weekend!

[Jigapoolza]

Thanks for the update

[Teamprotz]

$14 for a jig is kinda pricy

[Mackinaw]

$14 for a jig is kinda pricy

it is better then buying 2. $ 8 dollar ones that catch nothing. they are worth it


mack

[trouty]

it is better then buying 2. $ 8 dollar ones that catch nothing. they are worth it


mack

Pretty easy to make them yourself if you’ve got any tying skills. Just need a vise.

[tangledangler]

Where is this ling bed located? Planning on doing an over nighter this weekend I wouldn't mind hooking into some burbs.

[-JR-]

Where is this ling bed located? Planning on doing an over nighter this weekend I wouldn't mind hooking into some burbs.

I have heard from many locals that as you leave the marina boat launch it is on your right side along the tree line.
Just not sure how deep to go.

I have also heard ,there is a on going Burbit contest for the whole ice season
Around $20. And it ends in March. Winner takes all the cash !
Not sure where to sign up......any one know ?

[2alarmfishing]

Anyone know if you can get by the heave in a pickup at frenchmans? Thanks

[35 whelen]

Don't know about Frenchman's Bay but lots of guys were driving off the Provincial Park to Garnet and past

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[2alarmfishing]

Don't know about Frenchman's Bay but lots of guys were driving off the Provincial Park to Garnet and past

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Right on. Thanks

[-JR-]

Was out there this last weekend . Winter road starts off really good then the trail gets deep. Looks like alot of trucks were axle deep and dragging the under bottoms if you get off the main road you might get stuck if you do not have chains or good tires. Main road which is the second road goes out towards garrnet,and a few side roads from that turn towards french bay.

[tigger]

I have heard from many locals that as you leave the marina boat launch it is on your right side along the tree line.
Just not sure how deep to go.

I have also heard ,there is a on going Burbit contest for the whole ice season
Around $20. And it ends in March. Winner takes all the cash !
Not sure where to sign up......any one know ?

If you get on the lake off the provincial go straight to your left, guessing it'll be about a km from the boat launch. It's a big sunken island-if you drill a hole and hit around 40-45ft you have it

[-JR-]

If you get on the lake off the provincial go straight to your left, guessing it'll be about a km from the boat launch. It's a big sunken island-if you drill a hole and hit around 40-45ft you have it

ha ha. Nice one .....welcome to the fourm.
Be careful on here, its easy to get kick off .

[35 whelen]

Newfies hump

[58thecat]

Newfies hump

There are a few humps out on the lake, ling like to hang on these humps too!
Poor man's lobster!!!!:sHa_shakeshout:

[The Spank]

This is in metres. Not superb but it will give you some idea to get you pointed in the right direction.

[lromanchuk]

Heading out friday for a few days. Hoping to hit lakers in the AM and Walleye in the evening.

Anyone getting around with a quad? or sled only for machines?

[tangledangler]

I spent Saturday/Sunday on the lake and I would say no to taking a quad. Definitely a truck with ground clearance or a sled would be your best bet. Be careful when driving around Garnet as there was a group of guys with a popped tire from the ****ty jumble ice.

[fishn_palmer]

tangledangler
were you the guys in the tundra? howd u make out at night. We were the guys in the black dually

[tangledangler]

Haha yeah that was us. The night bite was terrible, not a thing all night. I will have to make another trip up there to try to redeem myself. You guys took off or went to another spot?

[fishn_palmer]

We took off. 30+ hrs on the ice was enough for us. First time on the lake, ended up with some trout, so considered it a successful trip. Still sore from drilling all those holes.

[ifinder]

Driving 7hrs to fish next thurs to Sunday wondering if trucks r driving to Garnett an farther how bad is snow updates greatly appreciated tks

[splake0]

Driving 7hrs to fish next thurs to Sunday wondering if trucks r driving to Garnett an farther how bad is snow updates greatly appreciated tks

yes trucks are driving everywhere. Snow is not the problem, it's the jagged ice chunks you need to look out for. Follow others' tracks.

[lromanchuk]

yes trucks are driving everywhere. Snow is not the problem, it's the jagged ice chunks you need to look out for. Follow others' tracks.

That depends where you fish. If you stick close to the beaten path, the snow isn't an issue. If you fish off shore humps, there's little chance a truck without chains would make. Just left the lake and without a sled I wouldn't have made it to my spots.

[lromanchuk]

Landed this pig. She wasn't skipping any meals..

[TylerThomson]

I was out there in a stock jeep Cherokee last week and had 0 problems. I can't see it being much different even with the bit of snow we just got. Depends on your tires and weight and diving ability I guess but we had no problem getting around. Pay attention and avoid the drifts. When I stop I always reverse back into my tracks before attempting to go forward.

Best of luck

Oh I should mention this was on the north side. We drove all around the island and back to medley river breaking trail most of the way.

Just frigging send it bro haha

[lromanchuk]

Good luck I know there's a few of them left but not many I don't think. anyway I'll be giving it one try this winter last few seasons it's just been getting slower and slower.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180122/51b652e351cdd0ee28a402833278e845.jpg

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Scale was bang on. Fish was 88 cm (34.5 inches) and weighed over 15 pounds.

[-JR-]

delete.
.

[Hellraiser]

Any new updates on snow/ice/slush conditions on the lake? Is it manageable with a quad now, or definitely not worthwhile bringing one?

[Captainslug]

I assume an extension on my auger is now required. Any confirmation?

[Brodhead]

Any new updates on snow/ice/slush conditions on the lake? Is it manageable with a quad now, or definitely not worthwhile bringing one?You won't make it far with a quad. The snow is deep and crusted. A tall truck with chains is still possible but barely. Snowmobile would be the best bet. No slush or flood ice yet that I found on the main lake or French bay. 30 inches of ice everywhere in French bay. Found a spot a kilometre out on the main lake with only 18 inches.

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[-JR-]

I assume an extension on my auger is now required. Any confirmation?

Nope
Was there on the long weekend and I broke threw just as the last blade was even with the top of the ice with a 10 inch z51

[TylerThomson]

You won't make it far with a quad. The snow is deep and crusted. A tall truck with chains is still possible but barely. Snowmobile would be the best bet. No slush or flood ice yet that I found on the main lake or French bay. 30 inches of ice everywhere in French bay. Found a spot a kilometre out on the main lake with only 18 inches.

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I'll be out there this weekend in the wife's jeep Cherokee. The snow isn't that deep but it is definitely crusted on top. Weight and tires are important. Don't expect to make it far on a set of mud tires in a diesel. As far as finding 18 inches that's not even a concern for a passenger vehicle. I'd drive a fully loaded 1 ton diesel welding truck on that and not think twice.

[Captainslug]

I'm heading out Saturday. Hopefully get a laker early then I'll try for pike and perch. Taking my 74yo mom out with me.

Any help on locating a good spot for pike or perch would be appreciated. Not looking for anyone's honey hole but a general "go that away" would help on this monstrous sized lake.

[lromanchuk]

I'm heading out Saturday. Hopefully get a laker early then I'll try for pike and perch. Taking my 74yo mom out with me.

Any help on locating a good spot for pike or perch would be appreciated. Not looking for anyone's honey hole but a general "go that away" would help on this monstrous sized lake.

In the shallows of french bay for pike.

[-JR-]

Most of the roads that were made a few weeks ago are all blown in .
I had to chain up .some good snow drifts
Seen a Red dodge 4x4 leave the lake with his front spoiler in the back of his box.
Must have gotten ripped off in the deep snow .
French bay was slow saturday .

[Teamprotz]

I’ll bet with the current weather the entire lake will be packed down by next weekend.

[35 whelen]

How was the fishing

[Captainslug]

I'm heading out Saturday. Hopefully get a laker early then I'll try for pike and perch. Taking my 74yo mom out with me.

Any help on locating a good spot for pike or perch would be appreciated. Not looking for anyone's honey hole but a general "go that away" would help on this monstrous sized lake.

I never made it out on Saturday. :angry3: Work got in the way. :angry3: Going try again this Saturday.

[Chris5672]

We were out there on the weekend and we caught a few, got two that were over 75cm, so not bad fishing overall

[2alarmfishing]

We were out last weekend and acccess was bad but not impossible. We accessed off the provincial park and the trail got worse the further out you went. Made a couple wrong turns and got stuck. Single vehicle tracks were the worst to follow and of course breaking trail was the most risky. If no weather comes in this week it will get better as the week goes on.

[lromanchuk]

Hows the ice on lately? Any flood water? Still lots of snow?

[Teamprotz]

You still going ? I'll be there Sunday for sure. Grey f350 , usual spot :sHa_shakeshout:

[Mister Bee]

Was there yesterday, no flood water. Snow still deep. We were in a Ford half ton with duratracs. We were breaking trail but isn't the easiest on equipment. Couple times spun out and had to back up to get going again.

[Captainslug]

Was out there yesterday too. Went on at PP as well. Following main trails was ok but a bit rough at times. Off trail was passable (4x4) but really tough.

There is a crust on the snow. It wast hard to drive through but was the worst for walking because sometimes you broke through and sometimes you didn’t. You never was sure of your footing. Did snow angels face down a couple of times when I was rushing to a set line

No flooding but the water was to the top of the ice. But I did notice by the end of the day the snow was wet wherever I had been standing for any length of time.

Ice was 23” (measured) at my location. Solid and good.

Landed 5 lakers & lost at least twice that. 4 in the range of 19” - 23” and went back to grow. Got one keeper 81cms 12.25 lbs.

Got surveyed leaving the ice by some government guys. Took some bones out of my keeper to determine its age. Also looked inside too. Good guys.

[35 whelen]

Thanks

[Teamprotz]

No fun off beaten path. Diesel got a workout. 2” crust over crystal on ice , never had to back up though ! Fishing a bit slow , marking , no chasers , son and I have 6 so far , nothing over

[lromanchuk]

Fished Sunday and Monday. Super slow. 2 guys landed 4 fish in 2 days. Last trip North of the season or me and it was disappointing at best. But thats fishin.

[Penner]

Cold Lake really drops off in terms of production the later in to March one goes from my experience. For Lakers at least.

[K-J-F]

That doesn't sounds good haha I am hoping to catch a couple at least. Heading up there in a few hours for a couple days. I was thinking about fishing the drop off between Garnet Point and Birch Point. Any tips would be great. Thanks

[lromanchuk]

That doesn't sounds good haha I am hoping to catch a couple at least. Heading up there in a few hours for a couple days. I was thinking about fishing the drop off between Garnet Point and Birch Point. Any tips would be great. Thanks

It's just luck of the draw. Last year on the closing day of the season we had our best day. Slayed them all day in gorgeous weather.

Change depths if things are slow. Not sure what depths you like to fish, but we start around 100 and get into 115-125 if things get slow. We usually run medium/large sized bait but this last trip the majority of fish came on minnows. Although our largest fish(12 lbs) came on a larger bait.

Good luck.

[K-J-F]

Thanks lromanchuk. This is my first Cold lake experience. I used to fish
lake Simcoe in Ontario for giant lakers and had to get a fix this winter. Got all the gear and tools just hoping the 6 hours drive is worth it.

[Teamprotz]

Would highly recommend a sled unless it warms up some. Anywhere off the main trail with a pickup and you probably won't get far.

[lromanchuk]

Would highly recommend a sled unless it warms up some. Anywhere off the main trail with a pickup and you probably won't get far.

I agree. Excellent sled conditions. Horrible truck conditions. Especially on the south side of the like.

[Mackinaw]

I agree. Excellent sled conditions. Horrible truck conditions. Especially on the south side of the like.

we were up thur to sun only had issues once had no trouble with f150 or jeep escalade got hung up for a bit.

mack

[korie83]

Any opinions if there would be problems driving a side by side on the lake right now? Took the ram 3500 4x4 out there last month and it was really rough getting around. My only concern with taking the rzr might be clearance if the snow is really deep, thoughts?

[Teamprotz]

Like mentioned , there was 8” or so with a crust , sometimes you could walk on it , sometimes you’d break through. My f350 worked very hard getting to my spot not sure if a side by side after today’s snow and wind would be an option

[Mackinaw]

Any opinions if there would be problems driving a side by side on the lake right now? Took the ram 3500 4x4 out there last month and it was really rough getting around. My only concern with taking the rzr might be clearance if the snow is really deep, thoughts?

last week the side by side had no issues at all they were all over the lake. this week could be diffrent

mack

[Teamprotz]

All depends on where you want to fish. Good luck

[korie83]

Any opinions if there would be problems driving a side by side on the lake right now? Took the ram 3500 4x4 out there last month and it was really rough getting around. My only concern with taking the rzr might be clearance if the snow is really deep, thoughts?

Just in case anyone was wondering, we got around just fine on the lake on Saturday. Got hung up for a minute or two, twice when we stopped, but a bit of back and forth and we were back up on top of the snow and cruising along. There was probably 8"+ of crusty snow, and when the sun came out it softened up some. Definitely couldn't have made it around the lake as easy or as far in the truck, so driving the Rzr was definitely a good call.

Caught two smaller lakers on a drop off that went from 90' to 50', and marked a bunch on the flashers. But that was all.

[korie83]

Double post

[510-Gem]

Headed out along the north shore with a sled and a big quad. It was a tough go breaking trail with the quad and even hit some flood water closer to shore. Fishing was slow, probably a half dozen good bites each and landed two fish in about a day and half. Never needed an auger extension once.

[35 whelen]

Wow that's slow fishing I think that link is dead

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